By The Numbers: FEMA Recovery Update In Louisiana 

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Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were two of the most intense hurricanes ever recorded during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, both making landfall in Louisiana. Both Katrina and Rita intensified to Category 5 storms while in the Gulf Coast before making landfall as Category 3 storms. Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29 and Rita followed almost one month later on Sept. 23.

523

To date 523 vessels, under a federally funded mission assignment by FEMA, have been removed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

2,997

There are 2,997 federal housing units occupied by hurricane evacuees in the State of Louisiana alone. Federal housing or housing vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and others were offered to displaced hurricane victims.

9,242

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved 9,242 businesses for disaster assistance loans. Total: $833.6 million.

49,000

FEMA’s Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, working in the immediate response and for a record number of days into the recovery, provided care to 49,000 patients. The teams gave 65,000 immunizations and provided crisis counseling to 5,800 individuals, as well as other medical services. Crisis counseling continues today through state programs reimbursed by FEMA.

55,650

LA Swift, the free emergency bus system between Baton Rouge and New Orleans for displaced residents, has served 55,650 passengers. It has operated seven daily round trips since October 31, 2005.

81,241

More than 81,000 damaged roofs that have been temporarily covered under FEMA’s “Blue Roof” program, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The program allows families to remain in their homes as they rebuild.

692,749

More than 692,749 Louisiana residents have been served by FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located in the state. DRC's are one-stop information centers where victims can learn more about state and federal disaster assistance available to them, including loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters and business owners. Currently, 18 DRCs are operating in the state, down from a peak of 89 DRCs.

1.4 million

FEMA has completed more than 1.4 million housing inspections in Louisiana. The inspection process includes a complete overview for structural damage. The inspector will record all disaster-related damages to the home. A survey of damaged personal property, clothing and vehicles may also be conducted.

36 million

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with private contractors working for some Louisiana Parishes, have removed 36 million cubic yards of debris.

$164 million

FEMA approved $164 million in unemployment assistance for 108,000 eligible hurricane victims in Louisiana who signed up during the application period.

$1.1 billion

In Louisiana, individual assistance totaling more than $1.1 billion has been distributed for Other Needs Assistance. This program provides assistance for serious, disaster-related needs to impacted individuals, such as dental, transportation replacement costs, and other serious needs.

$1.4 billion

More than $1.4 billion in federal dollars has already been allocated for Public Assistance (PA) projects, such as debris removal and emergency services in Louisiana, equaling the amount allocated for PA grants in Florida in the eight months following four hurricanes that hit the state in the 2004 hurricane season.

$3.7 billion

The SBA has approved more than $3.7 billion in disaster assistance loans to 451,147 business owners, homeowners and renters in Louisiana.

$3.5 billion

FEMA has paid out $3.5 billion in financial housing assistance to Louisiana victims, in the form of rental assistance and home repair reimbursement grants.

$4.6 billion

FEMA has provided more than $4.6 billion directly to Louisiana victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita for housing and other needs assistance through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). This is more than the $1.2 billion used for IHP after last year’s Florida hurricanes.

$12.1 billion

To date, FEMA has paid out $12.1 billion under the National Flood Insurance Program to policyholders in Louisiana.